This easy zucchini bake is a delightful dish that's perfect for any occasion. It's simple to prepare and packed with fresh ingredients, making it a wholesome and tasty option for lunch or dinner.
Photos of Easy Zucchini Bake Recipe
If you don't usually keep zucchini or all-purpose biscuit baking mix at home, you may need to make a trip to the supermarket. Zucchini can typically be found in the produce section, while the baking mix is usually located in the baking aisle.
Ingredients For Easy Zucchini Bake Recipe
zucchini: A versatile and mild-flavored vegetable that becomes tender and delicious when baked.
all-purpose biscuit baking mix: Helps to bind the ingredients together and gives the bake a light and fluffy texture.
eggs: Acts as a binding agent and adds richness to the dish.
butter: Adds richness and a slightly nutty flavor to the bake.
parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, salty flavor that complements the zucchini.
mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a gooey, creamy texture.
onion: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch to the dish.
garlic: Infuses the bake with its distinctive, aromatic flavor.
oregano: A herb that gives a pleasant, slightly bitter taste.
fresh parsley: Adds a touch of freshness and color to the bake.
salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
One reader, Kevon Marcum says:
This easy zucchini bake recipe is a game-changer! The blend of cheeses and herbs creates a delicious, savory dish that's perfect for any meal. Simple to make and absolutely delightful, it's a new favorite in our household. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Easy Zucchini Bake
How to toss zucchini with baking mix: In a large bowl, add the zucchini and sprinkle the baking mix over it. Use your hands or a large spoon to gently toss and coat the zucchini evenly with the mix.
How to beat eggs: Crack the eggs into a bowl and use a whisk or fork to beat them until the yolks and whites are fully combined and the mixture is slightly frothy.
How to melt butter: Place the butter in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 15-30 seconds, or until fully melted. Alternatively, you can melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat on the stove.
How to mix ingredients: Use a large spoon or your hands to combine all the ingredients in a bowl until they are evenly distributed and well blended.
How to spread mixture in baking pan: Pour the mixture into a 13x9-inch baking pan and use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly.
How to check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bake. If it comes out clean and the top is golden brown, the dish is done.
How To Make Easy Zucchini Bake
This Zucchini Bake dish offers a flavorful casserole baked from the oven, filled with the goodness of zucchinis, eggs, cheeses, garlic, and parsley.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3zucchini,thinly sliced, or shredded
- 1cupall-purpose biscuit baking mix
- 4eggs,beaten
- ½cupbutter,melted
- ½cupparmesan cheese,grated
- ½cupmozzarella cheese,or cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½cuponion,chopped
- 1tspgarlic,minced
- ½tsporegano,dried
- 2tbspfresh parsley,chopped
- ½tspsalt
- ¼tsppepper
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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In a large bowl, toss the zucchini with the baking mix until well coated.
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Add the beaten eggs, melted butter, and parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses.
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Using a large spoon or hands, work the mixture together until well blended.
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Add the onion, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper, and mix again.
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Spread the mixture into a 13×9-inch baking pan.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
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Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Calories: 302.50kcal
- Fat: 22.52g
- Saturated Fat: 12.68g
- Trans Fat: 0.47g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.91g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.40g
- Carbohydrates: 13.87g
- Fiber: 1.31g
- Sugar: 4.35g
- Protein: 11.92g
- Cholesterol: 131.56mg
- Sodium: 473.60mg
- Calcium: 263.13mg
- Potassium: 293.35mg
- Iron: 1.29mg
- Vitamin A: 194.41µg
- Vitamin C: 15.32mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Easy Zucchini Bake
When tossing the zucchini with the baking mix, make sure the zucchini slices are evenly coated. This helps the batter adhere better and ensures a more uniform texture throughout the bake.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Zucchini Bake
Pre-chop ingredients: Chop the zucchini, onion, and garlic in advance and store them in airtight containers.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt the butter in the microwave instead of on the stove.
Mix dry ingredients first: Combine the biscuit baking mix and seasonings before adding wet ingredients to save mixing time.
Use a food processor: Speed up chopping and mixing by using a food processor for the zucchini and other ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Zucchini Bake Recipe
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it an excellent substitute.
all-purpose biscuit baking mix - Substitute with all-purpose flour: Mix with a bit of baking powder and salt to mimic the leavening effect of biscuit mix.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This works well as a binder in baking.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a similar fat content and adds a rich flavor.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor profile.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone melts similarly and has a mild flavor that complements the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor that can enhance the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic to maintain the flavor.
oregano - Substitute with thyme: Thyme has a similar earthy flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
fresh parsley - Substitute with dried parsley: Use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley for every tablespoon of fresh parsley.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar salty flavor along with a bit of umami.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile, which can add a unique twist.
Best Way to Present This Zucchini Bake
Serve smaller portion sizes: Cut the zucchini bake into elegant, bite-sized squares. This allows for a refined presentation and ensures each piece holds its shape.
Use decoration: Garnish each piece with a delicate sprig of fresh parsley and a light dusting of parmesan cheese for a touch of color and sophistication.
Plate with contrast: Place the zucchini bake on a dark-colored plate to make the golden brown top and vibrant green zucchini stand out.
Add a sauce: Drizzle a thin line of garlic aioli or a light tomato coulis around the plate to add a burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Use height: Stack two or three pieces of the zucchini bake slightly off-center to create an interesting and dynamic presentation.
Incorporate texture: Sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts around the plate for added crunch and visual interest.
Highlight ingredients: Place a few thin slices of raw zucchini and onion artistically around the plate to showcase the fresh ingredients used in the dish.
Finish with a touch of elegance: Add a few edible flowers or microgreens to the plate for a final touch of elegance and color.
Essential Tools for Making Easy Zucchini Bake
Oven: Used to bake the zucchini mixture at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it is cooked through and golden brown.
Large bowl: Essential for mixing the zucchini with the baking mix and other ingredients to ensure everything is well combined.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring ingredients like the biscuit baking mix, butter, and cheeses.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients such as garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Whisk: Handy for beating the eggs before adding them to the mixture.
Large spoon: Useful for mixing the ingredients together thoroughly.
Knife: Needed to chop the onion and parsley finely.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and parsley.
13x9-inch baking pan: The vessel in which the zucchini mixture is baked.
Toothpick: Used to check if the bake is done by inserting it into the center to see if it comes out clean.
Grater: Required for grating the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses if they are not pre-grated.
Microwave or stovetop: Used to melt the butter before adding it to the mixture.
Storing and Freezing Easy Zucchini Bake
- Allow the zucchini bake to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, place the cooled zucchini bake in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the zucchini bake:
- Cut the bake into individual portions for easier thawing and reheating.
- Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze the zucchini bake for up to 2-3 months for optimal quality.
- To reheat the frozen zucchini bake:
- Thaw the desired number of portions in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the thawed portions on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high power, or until heated through.
How to Reheat Zucchini Bake Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover zucchini bake in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and prevents the top from becoming too crispy.
If you prefer a crispier top, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftover zucchini bake in an oven-safe dish. Leave it uncovered and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the top is golden brown.
For a quick reheat, use your microwave. Place a single serving of the zucchini bake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the dish halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat smaller portions of the zucchini bake. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C), place a serving on a toaster oven-safe dish, and heat for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
For a stovetop reheat, place a single serving of the zucchini bake in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the zucchini bake before serving. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safe to consume.
Interesting Fact About Zucchini Bake
A fun fact about this zucchini bake recipe is that it incorporates biscuit baking mix as a base, which adds a unique texture and flavor compared to traditional casseroles. This makes it a quick and easy dish to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Is Making Zucchini Bake at Home Cost-Effective?
This zucchini bake recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredient, zucchini, is usually affordable, especially in season. Other ingredients like eggs, onion, and parsley are also budget-friendly. The cheeses and butter might add a bit to the cost, but overall, it's a reasonable dish. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12. Overall verdict: 8/10.
Is This Zucchini Bake Healthy or Unhealthy?
This zucchini bake recipe, while tasty, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several ingredients. The all-purpose biscuit baking mix and butter add significant amounts of refined carbohydrates and saturated fats. Additionally, the cheeses contribute to the dish's high saturated fat and sodium content. On the positive side, the recipe does include zucchini, which is a nutrient-dense vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the all-purpose biscuit baking mix with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or coconut flour
- Reduce the amount of butter and cheese, or opt for lower-fat versions
- Increase the proportion of zucchini and other vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to boost the dish's fiber and nutrient content
- Use a combination of whole eggs and egg whites to lower the cholesterol content
- Experiment with herbs and spices to enhance flavor without relying on excessive salt
Editor's Opinion on This Easy Zucchini Bake Recipe
This zucchini bake recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a quick and easy meal. The combination of parmesan and mozzarella cheeses adds a rich, savory depth, while the fresh parsley and oregano provide a burst of freshness. The use of biscuit baking mix simplifies the process, making it accessible even for novice cooks. However, consider sautéing the onions and garlic beforehand to enhance their flavors. Overall, it's a versatile dish that can be served warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for any occasion.
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Why trust this Easy Zucchini Bake Recipe:
This easy zucchini bake recipe is a must-try for its simplicity and deliciousness. With the perfect blend of zucchini, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese, it offers a delightful taste and texture. The addition of fresh parsley and oregano enhances the flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and uses common ingredients, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience.
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